The Colorado Tree Coalition (CTC) Community Grants Program supports projects aimed at planting, maintaining, and managing trees to enhance both urban and rural green spaces in Colorado. The program prioritizes initiatives promoting species diversity, climate change mitigation, and healthy living environments. The grants, funded by the USDA Forest Service and the Colorado State Forest Service, focus on urban forestry education, technical assistance, and research. Eligible projects must be tree-related and typically occur on public property, although projects on private property with public benefits and access are also considered.
Grants range from $1,000 to $6,000 and require matching non-federal cash funds equal to the grant amount. Matching funds can come from private or public monetary contributions, but in-kind services cannot be used. Applicants facing challenges meeting the match requirement may request a waiver, particularly in underserved or low-income communities.
Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, nonprofits, and local government entities. Applications must be submitted via a designated Google form by 5:00 PM MST on January 15, 2025, along with a completed Project Finance Worksheet in electronic format. Paper or faxed applications are not accepted. Early consultation with forestry professionals, such as local foresters or tree boards, is encouraged to ensure proposals reflect proper species selection, planting, and maintenance practices.
Grant recipients will be notified in February 2025, and agreements must be executed before project commencement. All projects must be completed by October 31, 2025, with final documentation and expense reports submitted by that date. Photos and letters of appreciation are encouraged for use in CTC promotional materials and fundraising efforts.
Applicants are advised to carefully review the application guidelines, check for errors, and seek an external review of their proposals before submission. CTC emphasizes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in grant administration and requires applicants to align with these values. For further assistance or accommodations, applicants may contact David Flaig at dflaig1@msn.com or 720-624-6555.
